Sunday, August 26, 2012

Good Gifts

Lord, my husband deserves a new job. God, my wife lost her job last week and we need a second income to help pay bills. Heavenly Father, my son lies dying in the hospital and we need you to heal him now. Holy Spirit, please protect my daughter as she continues to make wrong choices. Lord, I want a new car and I’ve got to have some new clothes. Father God, we lost our house; now what do we do? Jesus, my mother just received the news; it’s cancer! Please God, don’t let my Daddy die. Help us in Jesus’ name!

Do any of those words ring true in your life? We’ve all “been there, done that” in some form or fashion. These pleadings for our lives and those of our “inner circle” are continually laid before the Lord (imagine receiving not only our requests, but the whole world’s). Does He hear us? Is He going to answer us?

The Bible says “yes.” He hears us and He answers us. Read the Scriptural evidence. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3 (NIV) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)

So why don’t we believe the proof given to us. The problem with the answers is they’re not always in our time, not always what we want, or maybe “no” is the end result. Could it be our Creator knows us better than we know ourselves? Perhaps He knows what we need more than we do?

Consider His ways. He created us in His own image. He illustrates parenthood to us through fathers and mothers that love Him. Not every case is perfect, but most parents know how to take care of their children. They know what’s best for their children because of personal experiences. They recognize the needs and wants of their children. Needs must to be met, but wants aren’t always a priority. Is it possible God views our lives the same way? Journey with me as I provide an explanation.

Yesterday my granddaughter had a birthday party where friends and family celebrated her third year of life. We all brought gifts wrapped in beautiful packages. In the grand scheme of things, a little girl received many blessings from people who love her.

Now travel back in time with me as my husband and I shopped for the presents we selected for her. We love her and want to shower her with gifts, but we know we shouldn’t overindulge her. Recently I asked her what she wanted for her birthday and she replied, “You could get me some M & M’s.” Well, of course, we granted that request. As she and I continued talking, I discovered she enjoyed wearing her mother’s housecoat. Well, we bought a little robe as well. Then we thought about her age, the things she likes to do, and we bought accordingly. If she had asked for a car, we would have said “no” because that doesn’t make sense at this time in her life. Had she asked for a puppy, we would have said “no” because she already has 2 dogs. Had she asked for knives to cut vegetables in her play kitchen, we would have said “no” because of the danger. Do you think God’s reasoning for answering our requests is similar? Is it possible His timing is perfect?

Hear what God says about our gift giving and His gift giving.

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13 (NIV)

God hears our prayers and He knows exactly what we need, when we need it. He supplied redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. After Jesus died and arose, He sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to live like Him. And He blesses us beyond our own reasoning. Read the list of benefits King David wrote about in this psalm.

who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)

God gives us His promised answers and they are good gifts. Receive them with gratitude in your heart for the One who knows you best. Trust Him to bless you with everything you need and want in Him! Praise You, Jesus!